FdA in Childhood Studies - Level 4
Validation body: University of Winchester ■ Course length: Two years: part-time
Description
This course forms the first part of the FdA in Childhood Studies. It would suit students with a range of qualifications and previous practical experience of working with young children aged 0 –11. Completion of Level 4 leads to the HE Certificate qualification. Students can then progress to Level 5 to achieve the Foundation Degree. Entry into the programme is negotiated and may not demand the usual university requirements. Advanced standing towards the degree may be awarded through Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Course content
Level 4
Core modules:
- Personal Development Planning
- The Developing Child
- Introduction to Professional Pedagogy
Core Modules: Early Years Practitioner:
- Integrated Early Learning, Development and Care
- Meeting the Needs of the Multi-professional Children's workforce
- Early Years Provision: Principles and Policy into Practice
Method of assessment
The assessment strategies rely on both formative and summative assessment to support and inform student development. Techniques for assessment include directed tasks and reflection on them, essays and other written assignments, group projects, journals, logbooks, portfolios, posters and presentations.
Students attend lectures and participate in seminars that involve small group discussions and tutorials that involve individual in-depth support on specific areas and presentations. Elements of the programme require independent study and there is some distance learning involved by using the University of Winchester’s Learning Network. Students are encouraged to develop skills and competencies through work-based learning and evaluate this alongside skills and knowledge taught at university.
